OK, Summer’s nearing its close, and despite the rage over movies such as "Transformers" (excellent, by the way), and "Pirates of the Caribbean 3" (ditto), you’ve really been focusing on one thing _ Harry Potter.

With the fifth installment of the movie series premiering days before the seventh, and final book, Potter mania has definitely been at it’s highest.

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

Being my least favorite of the book series, I found it a little hard to go and see this movie.

Nevertheless, I was impressed by the accuracy to the book, as opposed to the fourth movie. Special effects were at their usual best _ nothing looked cheesy or cheap. The acting, especially Daniel Radcliffe’s, was very predictable, as it seemed overdramatized.

A lot of people have claimed the movie to be dark, but one must understand that it’s a dark book. There was really no way to make something that involves death as its major theme into a child-like wonder resembling the first film. It wouldn’t be possible.

Overall, for all of the hype about the fifth film, the conclusion I draw is disappointing. I give this film a 5 out of 10.

"Harry Potter and

the Deathly Hallows"

"And so, everything shall come to an end."

That’s what I thought when I picked up my copy.

Of course, this statement was literal, for Rowling promised not to make any additional books in the series.

Still, the seventh book leaves you wanting more of Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the gang.

The book’s main plot is about the trio’s attempt to vanquish the evil Lord Voldemort. As childish, simple and cliched as that sounds, there are a multitude of factors tossed in with this that make for some addictive reading.

Several friends of mine finished the book within a day _ it’s that good.

The way that Rowling describes the actions and emotions for all of the characters truly makes us envision the scene, and feel like we’re there with Harry, watching and absorbing.

Now, I won’t say the ending, but let’s just say it’s explanatory.

If there’s a question about anything in this book series, most likely it will be answered by the end.

I’d like to applaud Rowling on a magnificent close to a wonderful story, one that I’d give a 9 out of 10 for.

In conclusion

All right, the movies haven’t lived up to the books, but when have they?

"Chronicles of Narnia" barely captured the book’s magic, and I’m sure that many were not so happy with "Lord of the Rings" _ must we even mention "Eragon"?

My point is: Harry Potter has claimed victory over the biggest thing this summer.

What else could get kids to read nonstop?

I doubt you’ll experience that with Shakespeare.

Happy September, and I’ll see you later.

Adam Munio is a junior at Unadilla Valley Central School.